Category: Historical Fiction

I find Japanese culture absolutely fascinating, so when I was scanning Netgalley and saw the cover for Risuko, it immediately caught my eye. Once I read the book description and learned that it was a historical fiction novel set in 16th century Japan, I leapt at the opportunity to read it.

I requested Enchanted Islands off NetGalley after the stunning cover caught my eye. Once I read that it was a WWII espionage story set on the Galápagos Islands, I was sold! Soon after I was approved for a review copy, I saw that it was featured on Oprah.com list of Books to Read if You Love Fierce, Smart Women… How could I not read this?

As most of you know, I am a huge historical fiction fan, especially WWII historical fiction. I am also a big fan of books that deal with past family secret mysteries (think Kate Morton). So when I read the book description for The House by the Lake and found that it was a fusion of the two, I was all for it.

I admit it. I requested this one based purely off the stunning cover. I have no shame, but do I have regret? Maybe a little. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this book for superficial reasons, it did not come through for me.